Time Warp

I am finding that mommy hood brings this weird time warp phenomenon. Does this ever happen to you: you look at your schedule and see that you have a “light” week [either work wise, appointment wise etc.] and you are all excited. You begin to think of all of the things you can either do or get done [read: clean the house]. But by some weird magic, you find yourself on a Sunday not able to remember what you did the past week?

Now I do remember this happening pre-child, however it was more a of conscious thought back then. Now I make a “to accomplish list” [sounds better than a to do list- right?] and I am lucky if I am able to cross of one task.

Like many new mothers, I was initially very hard on myself when I was “home” all day and I was unable to complete a load of laundry or prepare dinner. In the past year I have let go of those feelings [most days].  I take one look at my daughter and am brought back into mommy bliss. She will only be 13 months and 1 day today, and I will never get this time back. So dinner and the laundry will have to wait.

MommyOm made this beautiful little quote that I feel is important to remember on days when you are feeling frazzled:

With that being said, here are some of my tips to accomplish some of the items on your to do list:

Make a ball pit:

While researching very important home tips and tricks on Pinterest, I stumbled across this gem: A ball pit.  Super easy to make: take your pack –n-play and put plastic balls in it. Depending on the child, this could safely entertain them for 10 minutes to an hour! [read: able to at least switch the laundry]

Mini-Chef

Remember that children do not need to be constantly entertained one-on-one style. If you are in the kitchen, bring your little one along with you. Depending on the age here are my suggestions:

1.     Use a baby carrier to wear your child so that you are connected, yet have your hands free (extra tip: make simple dinners involving minimal time at the stove)

2.     Place a blanket on the floor for some tummy time for your little one while you prepare dinner. This will give them an extra reason to life that head to watch you move around the kitchen (developmental bonus!)

3.     Place a blanket on the floor and offer your child (safe) measuring cups/spoons and containers to explore with.

4.     As your child becomes older, start to utilize their help in the kitchen. Allow them to stir ingredients together, mix pizza dough with their hands etc. This offers a great bonding time, while also working the muscles in their hands (developmental bonus!)

Ask for help

It is not a sign of weakness to ask for help. We as women have this unnatural idea that we should be able to “do it all”. We are not built that way. We are social creatures that require the connection of others. This is true in raising a child as well. In the years past, women turned to family members to help in the care of their children and home. With families being spread across large areas now, it is not always easy to lean on your family. That does not mean that you cannot ask for assistance from non-family members. You can hire a caregiver to assist with watching your child while you do tasks around your home. This is also a great opportunity to “trial” a babysitter, as you can watch how they interact with your child while you are home.

What tips do you have to keep your sanity as a mom?